Malaysia, Johor Bahru - Boat Noodle

I love to eat boat noodle especially the spicy and sour taste of the sauce. The boat noodle origin from Thailand.

If you miss Thailand food, you can try out "Boat Noodle" in Malaysia, Johor Bahru. However, the taste of the food is not 100% same as in Thailand.

Menu

Menu

There are not many varieties but their food are standard.

This is how you take your order. Likewise, in Thailand, the same principle of accompanying food items are at your side table. Psst, the fish sauce is definitely worth to add in to your boat noodle.

Once you decide what to order, call  the staffs and they take your orders.

The ice milk tea taste so milky. Those who like to add more condense milk then this is specially for you.

First up it's the Grilled Chicken Meatball. True to its menu, very juicy and sauce accompanied very well.

Here comes the main part. On the top right is clear soup based which is called Pathumtani and the others are Ayutthaya. You have options whether to go for the rice or egg noodle. Our recommendations go for the rice noodle which in this picture.

Pathumthani recipe is a dark soy sauce broth with an appetizingly sour-ish and delicately spicy flavor. 

Ayutthaya has an intensify flavor based creamy dark broth with no less than ten herbs and spices. 

After the satisfying meal, you can make your way to the cashier to make a payment. Do take note that they accept cash only.

Rating 1.5/5  😟 

Andress: Komtar JBCC, 80000 Johor Bahru, at Level 3

Read More

Getting to Kuala Lumpur by train from Singapore

Taking a train to Kuala Lumpur is an ideal way to relax and enjoy the scenic countryside view. But there's a catch when taking a train from Singapore. Now the Malayan train operator, Keretapi Tanah Melayu ( KTM ) has made the journey starting point in Johor Bahru. There's various method to reach Johor Bahru Sentral but you still can get a train from Singapore as long you take the shuttle train from various timings.

For example, I have taken the morning train, shuttle train no.64 from 6:30AM (06:00) and reach JB Sentral at 6:35AM (06:35). From there I took another train, Express Rakyat train no.2 to Kuala Lumpur from 8:40AM (08:40) and arrive there at 4:00PM (16:00). Do take note that timings are based on 24HR.

I heavily recommend that you buy the ticket online with minimal fee charge as the most convenient and flexible way. You may search different train route and timings of your preference. Prices are based on SGD for Singapore - Johor Bahru, MYR for all other routes in Malaysia and cross border journey in Thailand.

https://intranet.ktmb.com.my/e-ticket/login.aspx - Your gateway to purchasing ticket online

You may search different train route and timings of your preference. But register first to proceed on purchasing the ticket for the payment and choosing the seat. Payment agent will be from Maybank Malaysia.

Prices are as follow:
Singapore Woodlands CIQ       -    Johor Bahru Sentral        ~  SGD 5   ( Free seating )
Johor Bahru Sentral                  -    Kuala Lumpur Sentral    ~ MYR 33 ( Air-con second class )

It will exactly look like this when have successfully purchase your ticket.

The inside of Shuttle Train no.64 for the Singapore Woodlands CIQ - Johor Bahru Sentral. *Do take note that video and photo taking is strictly prohibited at Singapore Woodlands CIQ as it is a restricted area.*

Arrival at Johor Bahru Sentral. With facilities of escalator and elevator at your convenience.

Breakfast at Johor Bahru Sentral is very convenient as there are variety of shop such as KFC, Starbucks, Rotiboy .etc.

Boarding the Express Rakyat No.2 from Johor Bahru Sentral - Kuala Lumpur Sentral

As this train there's a label and seat number, you're required to board the specific number in your train ticket.

Second class seating coach by PT . Industri Keret Api Indonesia ( INKA ). More info on this new coach at http://railtravelstation.com/2015/07/12/ktm-intercity-inka-asc/

 Too comfortable to resist till can make you fall asleep. Tray table are adequate and each side have a power socket.

KTM Class 26 Blue Tiger

While along the route, best part of a trip is without a doubt the buffet car.

Prices are kept affordable but it can quickly ran out of supply soon with the popularity of choices.

Arrival at Kuala Lumpur Sentral.

The ride is really smooth but at first part of the section from Johor Bahru Sentral to Gemas Railway Station, trains will have to comply the restricted speed limit of some sections and will be kinda rocky as it is still a single track along the route. From Gemas Railway Station onwards you can expect the train to be reaching higher tier speed at 110km/h thanks to the newly build double tracking.

Read More

Travelling the Malay Peninsula by train

Normally we get hook on riding fancy cars or accumulate on riding buses that are quick, cheap and efficient. But riding these are a pain in the neck, when long hours journey, we can't simply complain in agony about long hours being cramp inside an uncomfortable bus if it were not an express or a car that does not do justice too. Taking a plane maybe it's the best solution behind these two modes but it's not taking anywhere near to our destinations. So where do we look at? Taking the train!

Keretapi Tanah Melayu or in short " KTM" is the sole operator for the tracks that runs through the Malay Peninsula in Malaysia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, it's distance are on 1,677KM in length and a track gauge of 1,000mm that's considerable as metre gauge compared to other countries. Having a reasonable comfortable speed and fares that are generally reasonable too, their low frequency of the intercity trains does not usually make them competitive with other modes of transportation. But despite of that, one does not simply enjoy by taking the scenic scenes running through the Malaysia countryside.

YDM4 about to enter the newly rebuild of Johor Bahru Railway Station. 

A typical day at Kempas Bahru Railway Station

Station master on duty flagging the train off

Feeling shag and out of place after a good knockout after work? Well look no further. As KTM do provide overnight train service. 

The interior of Air-Condition Day Night Sleeper (ADNS)

Air-Condition Second Class (ASC)

If you're lucky, you'll be able to find KTM's another refurbished ASC. 

Air-Condition First Class. You may be able to find on some selected services.

Air-Condition Economy Class (AEC) .  I would not recommend much on taking "Shuttle" services as it's uncomfortable to some at an extend that it's not air-condition all the time. 

Blasting it's way through Malaysia's Jungle 

A passing train at a newly rebuild of Gemas Railway Station.

Freshly painted Class 24 locomotive. It was originally grey

KTM's own style of Shuttle Train service

Besides getting on to their counter, booking a train ticket is easy via https://intranet.ktmb.com.my/e-ticket/ . The vast search engine will populate their train services which are available on that specific day. Do note that if you're thinking on booking, their advances day are only valid at a 60 day cycle. 

For more information, please do visit http://www.ktmb.com.my/ 

Read More

Johor Bahru Night Market

Where ?

Near to grand Paragon Hotel and KSL

Date ?

Every Monday 

Time ?

4.30pm - 9pm

Night Market or "Pasar Malam", the common sayings among the locals is a temporary moving market that sells random stuffs ranging from food, electronic items, clothing and many more. Such item like the famous "Ramly Burger" are found here too. 

 The street behind Grand Paragon is cordoned off and is lined with the mobile vendors. The Pasar Malam stretches all the way to KSL. If you are coming around 7pm, some of the vendors already packed  their stuffs once they sell finish.

Ayam Percik, among the local delicacies of Malaysians and Singaporeans. It's tasty and tangy sauce

may set you to buy some more upon finishing up. Comes in random short chicken portion that

cost from RM2

 Nothing can beat is their local food ! There are also many stalls selling raw meat, seafood, vegetables and Yong Tau Hu.

Trying to beat the hotness weather while travelling on the streets? Sugarcane

is your best option while seeing down this local drink that are common

throughout the night market. Be sure to pick one up when it's cold. 

Running out of ideas in your kitchen? Try to find raw items in this moving night market.

Simply saying, even some items you can't find in their wet market can be found here.

Read More

Planning for Kuala Lumpur Trip

Kuala Lumpur part 3 ( Planning your trips )

Most of the travellers always plan their trips before going to the country. It is the best to know their culture, transportation and etc. Here is some tips.

1. Timing

If you are looking for cheap and affordable price for hotel, choose a right timing to go...

During peak seasons like Chinese New Year, New Year, Christmas, Singaporean and Malaysian School Holiday and etc. The hotel will be much expensive than usual.

For Shopping lovers...

Malaysia Megasale Carnival which is held on March, August and December. This is sale time throughout Malaysia and if you are looking for bargains this is the best time to visit.

Don't worry about the tropical weather. It either rain or sunny. You just need to bring your umbrella along for your own good.

2. Flights

You must book early for your flight.

3. Hotels

Please read reviews before you book the hotel. 

Recommend website:
TripAdvisor
Agora

4. Transport and getting around

It is better to take public transport than take Taxi whole day.

First, you need to get know their public transport such as monorails. If you don't know anything, there are friendly staffs willing to help you.

Just follow a simple steps to make your trips safe and easy.

1. Start Planning early

2. Do your research

3. Know your budget

4. Know what you want to do

5. Be realistic on what to do and how much you plan to spend there

Read More